Lethukuhle Sikonde, a young boy from Palm Ridge, Ekurhuleni, tragically passed away on Sunday, 3 November, just over a month before his 11th birthday. Lethukuhle, a Grade 5 student at Kwanele Primary School, had always dreamed of becoming a police officer, spending his childhood creating paper guns and police cars. However, his dreams were shattered when he died unexpectedly after complaining of severe stomach pains. His family believes the juice he bought from a vendor outside the school could have contributed to his sudden and tragic death.
According to his sister, Boitumelo Sikonde, Lethukuhle had returned from school on Thursday, 31 October, feeling unwell after consuming pap, milk, and juice from the vendor. His condition worsened over the next few days despite receiving medical treatment. On Friday, 1 November, Lethukuhle was taken to the clinic, but his condition continued to deteriorate. By Saturday, 2 November, he was sweating, weak, and unable to sit up straight. Tragically, early on Sunday morning, despite efforts to rush him back to the clinic, Lethukuhle passed away at home before help could arrive.
The Sikonde family is devastated by the loss of their beloved son and brother. Boitumelo expressed the heartbreak the family is enduring, especially as they were eagerly anticipating Lethukuhle’s birthday celebration on 7 December. “We were all looking forward to his birthday, but now he’s gone, and it’s a pain we can’t describe,” she said. His mother, Sithembile Sikonde, is particularly affected, having witnessed her son’s final moments. The family is still in shock, struggling to accept the loss of a happy and vibrant young boy whose life was tragically cut short.
